AMATEUR SOCIETIES

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20989, 16 December 1939, Page 15 (Supplement)

AMATEUR SOCIETIES

PROFESSIONAL ENCOURAGEMENT MR E. J. TAIT’S PROMISE There is a demand for young artists, said Mr E. J. Tait, of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., who is visiting New

Zealand, and consequently his com- ! pany is encouraging repertory societ- j - ies as much as possible because it is j: from the repertory theatre that the j' younger talent is drawn. Since arriving in Wellington, said i i Mr Tait, he has met Mr G. H. D. j i Swan, who has produced a number j i of amateur shows, and has discussed the development of repertory work : with him. His firm, convinced that the legitimate stage has not lost fav- : our, is keenly interested in the work < of repertory societies in Australia ; and New Zealand. : Considerable encouragement has ] been given to the societies in Melbourne and Sydney. The Gregan ‘ McMahon Society in Melbourne is i doing particularly well; it is able to 1 give regular seasons four to six times « a year in the J. C. Williamson < theatres. 1 In Sydney Miss Doris Fitton is having a bigger fight to keep reper- | i tory going because Williamson’s only

theatre there is always occupied by its own shows. However, she has engaged a theatre in North Sydne}' and is also producing in the Conservatorium Hall in the city. Chance for N.Z. Talent “The repertory movement is very strong in Australia,” Mr Tait said, “and I am pleased to learn that it is even stronger in New Zealand. We are keen to help in the work because it is only through these societies that the abundant talent of Australia and New Zealand can be discovered, and artists who show ability and keenness are almost certain of professional engagement. Most of the juvenile artists in Australia have risen from the repertory ranks, and there is no reason why the same should not apply in New Zealand.

“My company intends to make a greater effort to help the amateurs in New Zealand, and there is no reason why some of the large quantity of scenery, wardrobe, and properties accumulated during the last fifty years and stored at Sydney and Melbourne should not be brought here so that the repertory societies can have the advantages of it in their productions.”

Might I suggest to Mr Tait that his company help the amateur operatic societies too by reducing royalties, making more pieces available, and granting the use of scenery and costumes at cheaper rates.